TURBINE ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
This activity provides integration and experimental engine testing of advanced gas turbine engine technologies to reduce their technical risk and demonstrate their readiness for transition. These technologies will enable advanced capabilities for Navy weapon systems at reduced total ownership costs. Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE) is a DoD/DOE/NASA/Industry program to develop and demonstrate versatile, affordable, advanced engine technologies enabling for increased systems capabilities and reduced total ownership costs. The VAATE goal is 10X improvement in propulsion system affordability (capability/cost) by 2017, with interim goals of 4X by 2009 and 6X by 2013. The elements of the capability-to-cost index are increased thrust to weight; decreased specific fuel consumption; and reduced development, production, and maintenance costs for the entire integrated propulsion system. To achieve these goals, VAATE is organized into multiple product areas. Specifically for the Navy, the focus, as part of the Enterprise and Platform Enablers FNC, is on turbine engine capability enhancements for future and emerging systems. Technologies critical to Navy fighter jets are being worked, including low pressure turbine technologies for short takeoff and landing; high pressure turbine technologies for higher temperature, longer life; fan and compressor technologies for greater engine robustness and durability, and instrumentation and control technologies for greater engine state awareness and less unscheduled maintenance. Technologies being demonstrated include advanced aerodynamic, material, and structural concepts and emerging active control, prognostic health management, thermal management, aircraft subsystem integration, and information technologies. FY 2011 to FY 2012 funding reduction is due to a VAATE Phase II demonstrator engine effort with P&W being delayed to beyond FY 2012 and aligning funding to accommodate the delay. The decrease of funding from FY 2012 to FY 2013 is the result of the transfer of resources from this R2 activity to a new FNC R2 activities titled Enterprise and Platform Enablers. Efforts in this R2 activity have been continued from FY 2012 to FY 2013 into the new R2 activity to support all FNC program EC Investments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- db1ab715579c7e6cb3692c115c00a5cd